Bat lag and bat extension instant feedback training system

ABSTRACT

A training system is disclosed which indicates to a baseball/softball hitter that he/she does not have the proper bat lag and will indicate to the hitter that the bat was properly extended after hitting the ball. The system may also be used for the training of golfers or other sports enthusiasts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a training system for use by a baseball/softball hitter. More particularly, the training system of this invention utilizes a bat lag sensor apparatus and a bat extension sensor apparatus. The bat lag sensor apparatus instantly indicates whether the hitter does not have a proper bat lag as the hitter swings a bat forwardly towards a ball impact zone. The bat extension apparatus indicates whether the hitter has properly extended the bat through a bat extension zone.

2. Description of the Related Art

Bat lag is what all good baseball/softball hitters attempt to develop while hitting a baseball. As the hands move into the hitting zone, it is important for the hitter to throw the knob of the bat at the ball. Throwing the knob of the bat towards the ball results in the bat lagging behind the hitter's hands so that the bat is delivered by the entire body through the ball.

Many types of devices have been provided in an attempt to improve the swings of baseball/softball hitters but the prior art devices are not believed to be completely accurate, are cumbersome, difficult to set up and expensive. Further, 1the training systems developed for teaching proper bat lag and proper bat extension are not believed to be able to be used by golfers to develop proper golf swings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A training system is disclosed for use by a baseball/softball hitter which instantly indicates whether the hitter does not have proper bat lag as the hitter swings a bat forwardly towards a ball impact zone while standing at one side thereof. The training system of this invention also instantly indicates whether the hitter has properly extended his/her bat through a bat extension zone.

The training system of this invention includes an electrically powered bat lag sensor apparatus which is positioned on a supporting surface such as the ground or the like rearwardly of a ball impact zone. The bat lag sensor apparatus includes one or more photoeyes which direct a beam or beams of light upwardly therefrom. The bat lag sensor apparatus also includes a normally non-illuminated indicator light for each of the photoeyes which are illuminated if the hands of the hitter or the bat pass through the associated beam of light as the hitter swings the bat towards the ball impact zone, thereby indicating that the hitter did not have the proper bat lag during the swing. The bag lag sensor apparatus also includes a buzzer or the like which is operatively connected to the indicator lights which is activated when the indicator lights are illuminated.

The training system also includes an electrically powered bat extension sensor apparatus which is positioned forwardly of the ball impact zone with the bat extension sensor apparatus including a plurality of spaced-apart photoeyes which direct beams of light upwardly therefrom. The bat extension apparatus also includes a non-illuminated indicator light for each of the photoeyes which is illuminated if the barrel of the bat passes through the beam of light as the hitter swings the bat through a bat extension zone above the bat extension apparatus, thereby indicating that the hitter properly extended the bat through the bat extension zone.

It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide a training system for use by a baseball/softball hitter which instantly indicates whether the hitter does not have proper bat lag as a hitter swings a bat forwardly towards a ball impact zone while standing at one side thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide a training system for use by a baseball/softball hitter which instantly indicates whether the hitter has extended his/her bat properly through a bat extension zone.

A further object of the invention is to provide a training system for use by a baseball/softball hitter which indicates whether the hitter has employed the proper bat lag and has employed the proper bat extension while swinging a bat through a ball impact zone and a ball extension zone.

A further object of the invention is to provide a training system of the type described which is easily set up and which is convenient to use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a training system of the type described including instant feed back information to the hitter.

A further object of the invention is to provide a training system which not only can be used by baseball/softball hitters but which may also be used by a golfer in developing a proper golf swing.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a hitter about to swing a bat through a ball impact zone and a ball extension zone with the training system of this invention in place;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the training system of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the training system of this invention in place for use by a hitter with the broken lines indicating the correct bat lag position and the correct bat extension position as a hitter swings a bat through a ball impact zone and a ball extension zone;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a hitter swinging a bat towards a ball impact zone while utilizing proper bat lag techniques;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of the electrical circuitry of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the training system of this invention being utilized by a golfer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

The training system of this invention is referred to by the reference numeral 10 while the numeral 12 refers to a baseball/softball hitter. As seen in the drawings, the batter 12 holds a bat 14 which includes a knob 16 and a barrel. The system 10 is primarily designed to enable a hitter to know instantly whether the hitter had the proper bat lag and bat extension during his/her swing.

The system may also be used by golfers to improve the golfer's swing. In the drawings, the numeral 20 refers to a “home plate” while the numeral 22 refers to a ball tee having a ball 24 supported thereon. The plate 20 is provided mainly for positioning purposes and is not necessary for the system 10 to be utilized. Although the ball 24 is shown to be supported on the tee 22, the ball could be thrown towards the strike zone by human or mechanical means.

As seen, system 10 includes a power supply box 26 which is connected to a source of electrical power source 27 such as 110 volts A.C. by electrical cord 28. Preferably, power supply box 26 includes a transformer 30 which converts the A.C. current to 24 volts D.C. Power supply box 26 could also be battery powered. Power supply box 26 includes the necessary switches and indicator lights.

Cord 32 encloses a pair of leads 34 and 36 which extend to a bat lag sensor apparatus 36 which is connected to a bat extension sensor apparatus 38 by a cord 39 including leads thereon. Bat lag sensor apparatus 36 is enclosed with a housing 40 while bat extension sensor apparatus is enclosed within a housing 42. Although the system 10 preferably is used with both the bat lag sensor apparatus 36 and the bat extension sensor apparatus 38, the system may be used with only the apparatus 36 or the apparatus 38.

Apparatus 36 includes a buzzer 44 or other audible signal device, a pair of indicator lights 46 and 48 and photoeyes 46 and 48. The photoeyes 50 and 52 direct beams of light 54 and 56 upwardly therefrom respectively as illustrated in FIG. 1. Although it is preferred that a pair of photoeyes are utilized, one or more photoeyes may be utilized. Indicator lights 50 and 52 are electrically connected to the photoeyes 46 and 48 respectively and are normally non-illuminated. If the upwardly extending light beams 54 and 56 of photoeyes 50 and 52 are broken, the indicator lights 50 and 52 will be illuminated. In the schematic of FIG. 5, only a single photoeye 50 is shown and a single indicator light 46 is shown for purposes of clarity. In the schematic of FIG. 5, only three photoeyes are shown with respect to apparatus 38 for purposes of clarity.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate that the apparatus 38 has five photoeyes 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64 although more or less photoeyes may be used. Photoeyes 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64 direct beams of light 66, 68, 70, 72 and 74 upwardly therefrom respectively. Normally non-illuminated LEDs 76, 78, 80, 82 and 84 are connected to the photoeyes 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64 respectively and are illuminated when the associated photoeye beam is broken.

FIG. 6 illustrates a golfer 86 swinging a golf club 88 while using the apparatus 36 and the apparatus 38 with the apparatus 36 being used to alert the golfer if his backswing or takeaway is improper and with the apparatus 38 advising the golfer if his/her follow-through is proper. It is conceivable that the system 10 of this invention could also be used by tennis players and other sports enthusiasts.

With respect to the training system being used with a baseball/softball hitter, the batter will take his/her normal stance at one side of the plate 20 The individual will then take one or two swings to evaluate the distance and swing plane as it relates to solid and direct contact to the ball. Once the placement of the individual is set, the training system of this invention will be placed in a position to intercept the incorrect swing plane or lack of extension during the swing and to contact the ball.

The bat lag sensor apparatus 36 will be set to the rear of the ball as indicated by the drawings. The batter will then attempt to hit the ball whether it is placed on a tee or being thrown either by a human or by a mechanical device. The batter will then swing from the position of FIG. 1. During the swing, if the batter allows his/her hands to cast or allows the bat head to pass through the zone directly above the apparatus 36, the beam of the electronic photoeye is monitored with the trainer then energizing one or more of the LEDs of the apparatus 36. The buzzer 44 will also be activated to let the person being trained to know immediately if there was a fault or incorrect swing or swing plane during the hitting of the baseball. If the batter's swing is correct, the batter's bat or the batter's hands will not intercept the beams being directed upwardly from As the apparatus 36 which results in the LED lights not being illuminated and the buzzer not being activated therefore instantly reinforcing a correct swing path. This will help the batter maintain his/her correct swing techniques, mechanics and will reinforce proper muscle memory as it relates to the swing.

The bat extension sensor apparatus 38 will be positioned to the front of the ball being struck during the swing. If the batter's swing is correct, and fully extends the bat through the extension zone, above the apparatus 38 and passes through all the electronic photoeye beams, the apparatus 38 will energize the LED lights thereon indicating that the swing was correct and the hitter did indeed fully extend through the zone. If the hitter swings through the extension zone and if all the LED lights do not energize, then the individual will instantly know that he/she did not extend through the extension zone and at some point in the swing “pulled off” the ball, therefore not hitting the ball through the specified zone.

If a golfer is utilizing the training system, the apparatus 36 will be positioned at the proper location behind the golfer so that the apparatus 36 will either indicate to the golfer that the club head of the golf club broke one of the light beams of the photoeyes of the apparatus 36 thereby indicating to the golfer that his/her take away was incorrect. As the golfer swings through the ball, the extension apparatus 38 will indicate to the golfer that the golfer did properly extend the golf club after hitting the golf ball.

Thus, it can be seen that the invention accomplishes all of its stated objectives.

Although the invention has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 

1. A training system for use by a baseball/softball hitter which instantly indicates whether the hitter does not have proper bat lag as the hitter swings a bat forwardly towards a ball impact zone while standing at one side thereof, comprising: an electrically powered bat lag sensor apparatus positioned on a supporting surface rearwardly of the ball impact zone; said bat lag sensor apparatus including at least one electronic photoeye which directs a beam of light upwardly therefrom; said bat lag sensor apparatus also including a normally non-illuminated indicator light operatively electrically connected to said photoeye and which is illuminated if the hands of the hitter or the bat pass through said beam of light as the hitter swings the bat towards the ball impact zone thereby indicating that the hitter did not have the proper bat lag during the swing.
 2. The training system of claim 1 wherein said bat lag sensor apparatus includes at least a rear photoeye and a front photoeye spaced therefrom.
 3. The training system of claim 1 wherein said bat lag sensor apparatus includes an audio means which is activated when said indicator light is activated.
 4. The training system of claim 2 wherein an indicator light is operatively connected to each of said photoeyes.
 5. The training system of claim 1 further including a ball tee positioned in the ball impact zone.
 6. The training system of claim 1 wherein a home plate is positioned on a supporting surface forwardly of said bat lag sensor apparatus.
 7. The training system of claim 1 wherein said indicator light comprises a light emitting device (LED).
 8. The training system of claim 1 further including an electrically powered bat extension sensor apparatus which is positioned forwardly of the ball impact zone, said bat extension sensor apparatus including at least one electronic photoeye which directs a beam of light upwardly therefrom, a normally non-illuminated indicator light operatively electrically connected to said photoeye of said bat extension sensor apparatus which is illuminated if the barrel of the bat passes through said beam of light as the hitter swings the bat through a bat extension zone above the bat extension sensor apparatus thereby indicating that the hitter properly extended the bat through the bat extension zone.
 9. The training system of claim 8 wherein a plurality of spaced-apart photoeyes and a plurality of indicator lights are provided on said bat extension sensor apparatus.
 10. The training system of claim 1 wherein said bat lag sensor apparatus is powered by a 24-volt power source.
 11. The training system of claim 8 wherein said bat lag sensor apparatus and said bat extension sensor apparatus are powered by a 24-volt power source.
 12. A training system for use by a baseball/softball hitter which instantly indicates whether the hitter does not have proper bat lag as the hitter swings a bat forwardly through a ball impact zone and which instantly indicates whether the hitter properly extended the bat after swinging through the ball impact zone, comprising: an electrically powered bat lag sensor apparatus positioned on a supporting surface rearwardly of the ball impact zone; said bat lag sensor apparatus including at least one electronic photoeye which directs a beam of light upwardly therefrom; said bat lag sensor apparatus also including a normally non-illuminated indicator light operatively electrically connected to said photoeye and which is illuminated if the hands of the hitter or the bat pass through said beam of light as the hitter swings the bat towards the ball impact zone thereby indicating that the hitter did not have the proper bat lag during the swing; and an electrically powered bat extension sensor apparatus which is positioned forwardly of the ball impact zone, said bat extension sensor apparatus including at least one electronic photoeye which directs a beam of light upwardly therefrom, a normally non-illuminated indicator light operatively electrically connected to said photoeye of said bat extension sensor apparatus which is illuminated if the barrel of the bat passes through said beam of light as the hitter swings the bat through a bat extension zone above the bat extension sensor apparatus thereby indicating that the hitter properly extended the bat through the bat extension zone.
 13. The training system of claim 12 wherein said bat lag sensor apparatus indicates at least a pair of photoeyes and a pair of indicator lights and wherein said bat extension sensor apparatus includes a plurality of photoeyes and a plurality of indicator lights.
 14. The training system of claim 13 wherein said indicator lights comprise light emitting diodes.
 15. A training system for use by a golfer which instantly indicates whether the takeaway of the golfer has been properly executed during the golfer's swing at a golf ball, comprising: an electrically powered takeaway sensor apparatus positioned rearwardly of the golf ball being hit, said takeaway sensor apparatus including at least one electronic photoeye which directs a beam of light upwardly therefrom and a normally non-illuminated indicator light connected to said electronic photoeye which is illuminated if the club of the golfer passes through the beam of light.
 16. The training system of claim 15 wherein an electrically powered follow-through sensor apparatus is positioned forwardly of the golf ball being hit, said follow-through sensor apparatus including at least one electronic photoeye which directs a beam of light upwardly therefrom, and a normally non-illuminated indicator light connected to said photoeye which is illuminated if the club of the golfer passes through the beam of light of the follow-through sensor apparatus to indicate that the golfer properly extended the golf club after hitting the golf ball.
 17. A training system for use by a baseball/softball hitter which instantly indicates whether a batter has properly extended the bat after swinging through a ball impact zone, comprising: an electrically powered bat extension sensor apparatus which is positioned forwardly of the ball impact zone, said bat extension sensor apparatus including at least one electronic photoeye which directs a beam of light upwardly therefrom, a normally non-illuminated indicator light operatively electrically connected to said photoeye of said bat extension sensor apparatus which is illuminated if the barrel of the bat passes through said beam of light as the hitter swings the bat through a bat extension zone above the bat extension sensor apparatus thereby indicating the hitter properly extended the bat through the bat extension zone.
 18. The training system of claim 17 wherein a plurality of photoeyes and a plurality of indicator lights are provided on said bat extension sensor apparatus.
 19. The training system of claim 1 wherein an audio signal device is connected to said photoeye which is activated when said indicator light is illuminated.
 20. The training system of claim 12 wherein an audio signal device is connected to said photoeye which is activated when the indicator light on said bat lag sensor apparatus is illuminated. 